Women from Kericho and Nyamira Counties have agreed to partner in intercounty businesses aimed at brokering peaceful coexistence.
Kericho County Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai, while presiding over a peace building empowerment workshop for women from the two counties Thursday at Matongo in Nyamira North Sub County, emphasized on the importance of peaceful co-existence especially during the electioneering season as women suffer most when political violence erupts.
“Women and the communities at large need peace to be able to continue with whatever small or big businesses they are engaging in to sustain their livelihood and those of their families without fear of disruption, vandalism or eviction,” Kikwai said.
The Kericho deputy governor further noted that over 75% of the labour force in our agricultural farms is from women hence the more reason why they need to be economically empowered and thoroughly sensitized on the importance of maintaining peace so that their source of livelihood is sustained, thus boosting economic growth for the two counties.
“Kericho and Nyamira Counties belong to the Lake Region Economic Block and this inter-county economic relationship will ensure they enhance cross-county trade and investment amongst women traders to ensure they have money in their pockets and at the same time be crusaders of peaceful coexistence,” she stated.
On her part, the Nyamira county Executive for gender Gladys Momanyi encouraged women to continue the cross-county trade so as to cement a formidable relationship, which should not be destroyed by disagreement between any political leaders.
At the same time, the CEO, Council of Governors Jackline Mogeni and key sponsor for the forum said these empowerment and sensitization forums for women in various counties across the country are key in ensuring that Kenyans co-exist peacefully and shun any form of violence, which may destroy their hard-earned investments thus bringing about economic instability.
by Deborah Bochere
